Uzbekistan travel advice

Most visits are trouble-free.

It is advised against all but essential travel to areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikstan and Kyrgyzstan other than via authorised crossing points. Uzbekistan's borders are potential flashpoints and there is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined.

It is very important that you follow the proper registration and visa procedures, since a full record of your whereabouts whilst in Uzbekistan is required upon departure. Visitors who are unable to account for their whereabouts could be fined and possibly deported.

The political situation is stable as of March 2010. In the weeks approaching the elections scheduled for December 2007, travellers should should monitor local media. They should avoid any planned demonstrations or public gatherings as they have turned violent in the past. Anyone travelling to Andizhan should be aware that on 13 May 2005, a crowd of around 2,000 protested in the town square after an armed gang released a number of prisoners by force from a police station and military unit a day earlier. Government troops are reported to have fired on the protestors with official reports stating that 187 people were killed. Eyewitnesses put the figure much higher. There were also several protests in the Uzbek border town of Kara-Su (Ilychevsk) in May 2004, which led to a number of arrests.

There is a general threat from terrorism in Uzbekistan including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Visitors should be aware that terrorist incidents have occurred in Uzbekistan. Most recently, in May 2009, armed attacks took place in the Andizhan region of the Fergana Valley.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel